What do you think?
Rate this book
High Desert #5
Murdered by Plastic Surgery
From USA TODAY Bestselling Author and seven time Amazon All Star Author:
Planning on having a little "work" done? What if after the facelift you looked like a lot of other women in the area?
Could you murder the plastic surgeon who did the work?
Someone in the wealthy Palm Springs area murdered the plastic surgeon, but who? Was it one of his former patients disappointed with the result of a facelift? An associate, jealous of the doctor's success, and who wanted more money so he could buy a bigger yacht? His administrative assistant who had spent the last twenty years of her life hopelessly in love with him? His wife, because he'd decided to divorce her? Or even his ex-wife, who had custody of their children, and would inherit a lot of money if he was dead?
With so many persons of interest, what's needed in this case is a psychic, and fortunately the police detective's sister-in-law, Laura, is one of the best. Join Police Detective Jeff Combis, his wife, Marty, who happened to be in the process of appraising the doctor's antique Shaker furniture collection when he was murdered, and Laura, as they try to determine who killed the doctor.
As always, plenty of food, recipes, and dogs. Enjoy!
Planning on having a little "work" done? What if after the facelift you looked like a lot of other women in the area?
Could you murder the plastic surgeon who did the work?
Someone in the wealthy Palm Springs area murdered the plastic surgeon, but who? Was it one of his former patients disappointed with the result of a facelift? An associate, jealous of the doctor's success, and who wanted more money so he could buy a bigger yacht? His administrative assistant who had spent the last twenty years of her life hopelessly in love with him? His wife, because he'd decided to divorce her? Or even his ex-wife, who had custody of their children, and would inherit a lot of money if he was dead?
With so many persons of interest, what's needed in this case is a psychic, and fortunately the police detective's sister-in-law, Laura, is one of the best. Join Police Detective Jeff Combis, his wife, Marty, who happened to be in the process of appraising the doctor's antique Shaker furniture collection when he was murdered, and Laura, as they try to determine who killed the doctor.
As always, plenty of food, recipes, and dogs. Enjoy!
- GenresMysteryCozyCozy Mystery
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2017
429 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 12, 2017
Have you ever thought about having plastic surgery somewhere on your anatomy? I did once or twice since I happen to work as a bookkeeper for a plastic surgeon on occasion--but after reading this cozy mystery--I never will!! Now I know the guy I work for isn't like this--but I'm taking no chances!!! He probably never even realized he was analyzing my face once in a while--uh NO WAY Doc!! Of course I don't have the funds for cosmetic surgery anyway--insurance does NOT cover it!! But in the Palm Springs area there are plenty of woman with the funds and the time. And they are flocking to one particular plastic surgeon.
This guy has issues and knowingly or not he is making each of the woman look somewhat like his ex--with whom he is still very much in love. He is LOADED and has is having his antique Shaker furniture appraised for insurance purposes---then he is murdered in his office! Is it his current wife, one of the husbands who were not exactly pleased with the results of his wife's surgery and new look, his administrative assistant or was it his partner in the lucrative practice.
Meanwhile--our black lab has been convinced not to wear pink booties when he goes for his walk. He has also somewhat transferred his allegiance from Marty to her new husband----Laura (the psychic who is Marty's sister)--has to get involved. There are way too many suspects.
Of course there are some delicious recipes at the end which are also within the book and part and parcel of the story!
Dianne Harman has done it again!!!!!
Murdered By Plastic Surgery: A High Desert Cozy Mystery
This guy has issues and knowingly or not he is making each of the woman look somewhat like his ex--with whom he is still very much in love. He is LOADED and has is having his antique Shaker furniture appraised for insurance purposes---then he is murdered in his office! Is it his current wife, one of the husbands who were not exactly pleased with the results of his wife's surgery and new look, his administrative assistant or was it his partner in the lucrative practice.
Meanwhile--our black lab has been convinced not to wear pink booties when he goes for his walk. He has also somewhat transferred his allegiance from Marty to her new husband----Laura (the psychic who is Marty's sister)--has to get involved. There are way too many suspects.
Of course there are some delicious recipes at the end which are also within the book and part and parcel of the story!
Dianne Harman has done it again!!!!!
Murdered By Plastic Surgery: A High Desert Cozy Mystery
January 8, 2021
This is another great cozy mystery by Dianne Harman. If you haven't met her she is the author of several fun,light hearted mystery series and you are in for a real treat. I think the High Desert mysteries is my favourite series, don't get me wrong I love the other ones too but I like the added psychic knowledge that this one brings to the table. It adds a little something to the investigation. Throw in some great characters and a love able pooch and you know the bad guy are going to get caught. Dianne's mysteries all ways contains plenty of suspects to keep you guessing and cover such unusual subjects. You also learn something new, in this case what shaker furniture is, it is something I had heard of but didn't know what it was and you might also find a recipe or two.
Marty is called in to do an appraisal for a wealthy plastic surgeon of his vast shaker collection. But before she can give it no more than a glance he is stabbed in the back by a tool of his trade. With Marty's husband chance of a promotion depending on how quickly he closes the case as lead detective, Marty once again finds herself stepping in to question suspects, the rich and beautiful kind. Hopefully the cost will only be the price of a new expensive haircut? But then again someone has already killed once.
I liked the narrator but one or two of the characters did make me laugh with how high there voices were.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
Marty is called in to do an appraisal for a wealthy plastic surgeon of his vast shaker collection. But before she can give it no more than a glance he is stabbed in the back by a tool of his trade. With Marty's husband chance of a promotion depending on how quickly he closes the case as lead detective, Marty once again finds herself stepping in to question suspects, the rich and beautiful kind. Hopefully the cost will only be the price of a new expensive haircut? But then again someone has already killed once.
I liked the narrator but one or two of the characters did make me laugh with how high there voices were.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
July 14, 2017
Great book by the new USA Today Best Seller: Dianne Harman!
I do not think there is a book by Dianne Harman that I have not loved! Her writing is excellent, her characters are well-developed, and each unique storyline perfectly fits within each series. I have purchased almost all of her books and I plan to continue doing so in the future. She is a favorite author of mine, and I highly recommend all of her books, including this one! You will not be diaappointed...I promise!
One last word to Dianne: Congratulations! For those of you who do not yet know, Dianne recently made the USA today best seller list along with 5 other cozy authors with their Summer Whodunnits Box Set. You deserve it...way to go!!
I do not think there is a book by Dianne Harman that I have not loved! Her writing is excellent, her characters are well-developed, and each unique storyline perfectly fits within each series. I have purchased almost all of her books and I plan to continue doing so in the future. She is a favorite author of mine, and I highly recommend all of her books, including this one! You will not be diaappointed...I promise!
One last word to Dianne: Congratulations! For those of you who do not yet know, Dianne recently made the USA today best seller list along with 5 other cozy authors with their Summer Whodunnits Box Set. You deserve it...way to go!!
February 14, 2018
"A Really Great Cozy Comfy Suspense"
In the Palm Springs area, someone is not happy with the results of her plastic surgery. Or, ... could it be a 'he'? A surgeon has been murdered and Police Detective Jeff Combs takes on the case with the help of his sister-in-law, Laura, a psychic...one of the best. Jeff's wife, Marty, helps out also as she's appraising the doctor's antique furniture collection. There are so many persons of interest that all three of crime solvers have to plunge deep into the mystery. An enjoyable story; exciting and entertaining for the reader. As always, Harman's stories are great!
In the Palm Springs area, someone is not happy with the results of her plastic surgery. Or, ... could it be a 'he'? A surgeon has been murdered and Police Detective Jeff Combs takes on the case with the help of his sister-in-law, Laura, a psychic...one of the best. Jeff's wife, Marty, helps out also as she's appraising the doctor's antique furniture collection. There are so many persons of interest that all three of crime solvers have to plunge deep into the mystery. An enjoyable story; exciting and entertaining for the reader. As always, Harman's stories are great!
February 21, 2018
I have read the previous four books in this series. I enjoy the characters and the setting. The main character, Marty, is an antique appraiser who recently married for the second time and lives in a compound of four houses comprising her sister, her sister’s beau, a chef, and her and her now husband. Marty also has a lab. Marty helps her detective husband solve a murder. The book is very enjoyable, easy reading, and held my interest. You’re not sure who the killer is until toward the end. There is a pleasant surprise at the end. I’ll wait anxiously for #6!
August 20, 2020
This is the 5th in the series. The main character are Marty and her new hubby Jeff. They haven't been married very long when the doctor she is doing an appraisal is murdered. So Jeff is also investigating with the hope he figures it out and becomes the new head of the department. They can't seem to figure out who did it. Marty has been helping but it's not until her sister helps out that they have a chance.
July 9, 2017
A Stab in the Back
I enjoyed the story lines that led the readers through solving a murder. I liked the recipes at the back of the book and intend to try them out. The characters were interesting and likeable in most cases, and even the unpleasant ones were realistic. I want to read more of these novels.
I enjoyed the story lines that led the readers through solving a murder. I liked the recipes at the back of the book and intend to try them out. The characters were interesting and likeable in most cases, and even the unpleasant ones were realistic. I want to read more of these novels.
July 10, 2017
I This is A definite 5 star rating.
This is well written, with an awesome plot. Marty is pricing rare shaker pieces of furniture, Laura is still having psychic premonition John is still cooking up a storm and there is a murder that Marty's husband, Jeff, is working on. This combination makes for a solid and fascinating book!!
This is well written, with an awesome plot. Marty is pricing rare shaker pieces of furniture, Laura is still having psychic premonition John is still cooking up a storm and there is a murder that Marty's husband, Jeff, is working on. This combination makes for a solid and fascinating book!!
July 11, 2017
Marty and Laura assist Jeff with the murder investigation.
Marty and her sister Laura aid the investigation into the murder of the famous plastic surgeon of the stars. Many suspects, no clues, know the how bout don't know the who or the why. This is one of Dianne Harman's be s t books to date. I could not put it down. It is a must read for Dianne's fans.
Marty and her sister Laura aid the investigation into the murder of the famous plastic surgeon of the stars. Many suspects, no clues, know the how bout don't know the who or the why. This is one of Dianne Harman's be s t books to date. I could not put it down. It is a must read for Dianne's fans.
July 15, 2017
One if you looked like two other ladies
Dr Ramsey was a Plastic Surgeon who changed three women's looks to look like Lisbeth the Dr. former wife. Detective Jeff and his wife Marty are on the job trying to solve a murder. Laura with physics abilities helps the detective as well. Recipes are included. Read Murdered by plastic surgery.
Dr Ramsey was a Plastic Surgeon who changed three women's looks to look like Lisbeth the Dr. former wife. Detective Jeff and his wife Marty are on the job trying to solve a murder. Laura with physics abilities helps the detective as well. Recipes are included. Read Murdered by plastic surgery.
August 15, 2017
Disappointed !
I found the conversations within the book to be poorly written. You don't feel as if the characters would ever actually say many of them in an actual conversation. In addition, it was easy to identify the suspect throughout the book. Cheesy is the word I would use for this book.
I found the conversations within the book to be poorly written. You don't feel as if the characters would ever actually say many of them in an actual conversation. In addition, it was easy to identify the suspect throughout the book. Cheesy is the word I would use for this book.
August 19, 2017
Great cozy mystery with added surprise
Loved this first book I have read in this series by Dianne Harman. I loved the added bonus of recipes at the end. The development of the characters was a wonderful feature of this book as well as the building action as the plot is developed. I am really looking forward to reading more in this series.
Loved this first book I have read in this series by Dianne Harman. I loved the added bonus of recipes at the end. The development of the characters was a wonderful feature of this book as well as the building action as the plot is developed. I am really looking forward to reading more in this series.
March 10, 2018
Dianne writes several series, in High Desert Mysteries, I love the compound atmosphere. John's amazing dinners, even though the group are guinea pigs for his food truck menus. In Murdered by Plastic Surgery, Marty is authenticating Shaker antiques for a plastic surgeon, who turns up dead. Then everyone helps Jeff, solve the crime.
November 28, 2022
Had a pretty good story line going if you wanted to get into a horror story because it could so easily be done in real life. Come to think of it I think it is going on. All those shows on tv the rich women all look alike to a point. This was a story about money though and I didn't catch on to the killer until the end. Good job!
September 18, 2024
In this fifth book of the high desert series, the death of a prominent plastic surgeon has Marty and her now husband, detective Jeff, investigating the case. Who wanted him dead? There are several likely suspects from his wife to partner to unhappy clients, but they get to the bottom of it all. This series is easy and quick reading that’s enjoyable!
July 10, 2017
Fantastic series
Dianne has done it again! A wonderful story in the High Desert series, Marty and the gang try to figure out who killed the Plastic Surgeon, his wife, ex-wife, or some one else! Great story and great series.
Dianne has done it again! A wonderful story in the High Desert series, Marty and the gang try to figure out who killed the Plastic Surgeon, his wife, ex-wife, or some one else! Great story and great series.
July 12, 2017
This was GREAT
I really like reading about Kelly, Mike and the whole gang. They've become great friends and are great characters, all of them. Hope they keep coming to visit in new books for a long time.
I really like reading about Kelly, Mike and the whole gang. They've become great friends and are great characters, all of them. Hope they keep coming to visit in new books for a long time.
August 6, 2017
A twisted image
Nicely written. A "page" turner. Great Who Done it. I want to read another one.
Thought the killer was someone else... Darn it.
Well written and an interesting set of characters.
Nicely written. A "page" turner. Great Who Done it. I want to read another one.
Thought the killer was someone else... Darn it.
Well written and an interesting set of characters.
August 6, 2017
A high desert cozy mystety
This is another winner. I so enjoy all her different series of books. They are all very in retraining. I highly recommend all her different series of books. Diana Romano
This is another winner. I so enjoy all her different series of books. They are all very in retraining. I highly recommend all her different series of books. Diana Romano
September 14, 2017
Loved
I'm tea!!y enjoying this series of books. It covers cozy mystery and Romance. A good selection of storylines plus recurring character s! Need more of these with same characters! Thanks!!!
I'm tea!!y enjoying this series of books. It covers cozy mystery and Romance. A good selection of storylines plus recurring character s! Need more of these with same characters! Thanks!!!
September 22, 2017
Great cozy
My first Dianne Harman read but certainly not my last. Interesting characters with believable relationships. Intriguing mystery with twists. Good dialogue and fast paced. Exactly what I want in a cozy mystery.
My first Dianne Harman read but certainly not my last. Interesting characters with believable relationships. Intriguing mystery with twists. Good dialogue and fast paced. Exactly what I want in a cozy mystery.
June 18, 2018
Good book!!
This is my first Dianne Harman mystery, and I can't wait to read more. The book was fun to read and had likeable characters. I highly recommend it to other mystery lovers.
This is my first Dianne Harman mystery, and I can't wait to read more. The book was fun to read and had likeable characters. I highly recommend it to other mystery lovers.
September 6, 2018
The Mystery Of The Dead Plastic Surgeon
Dianne's books are always filled with mystery and excitement who would have thought his partner would murder him because of a boat. Love reading her books they are great.
Dianne's books are always filled with mystery and excitement who would have thought his partner would murder him because of a boat. Love reading her books they are great.
January 16, 2020
Surgical murder
I love reading these stories. This involves murder using a surgical instrument, but who is the culprit. It’s it the wife, the ex-wife, the administrative assistant, a patient or someone else. Find out for yourself with this amassing read.
I love reading these stories. This involves murder using a surgical instrument, but who is the culprit. It’s it the wife, the ex-wife, the administrative assistant, a patient or someone else. Find out for yourself with this amassing read.
August 25, 2020
It’s a good thing I’ve never wanted cosmetic surgery. Once again, author Dianne Harmon has kept me happy reading. Good characters, yummy foods, and a mystery. Plus recipes at the end of the book. Enjoyed this continuing series.
August 29, 2020
Palm Springs and Plastic Surgery
Another good cozy mystery in Palm Springs. Love that they all live in a compound and enjoy nightly dinners while helping to solve crimes. Very likable characters!
Another good cozy mystery in Palm Springs. Love that they all live in a compound and enjoy nightly dinners while helping to solve crimes. Very likable characters!
November 12, 2020
Awesome murder mystery by USA Today Bestselling Author Dianne Harman. Intriguing and kept you guessing until the end. It's worth the read for the recipes too!
- Review from Amazon Bestselling Author Julian Michael Carver
Author of Triassic and MEGACROC
- Review from Amazon Bestselling Author Julian Michael Carver
Author of Triassic and MEGACROC
July 2, 2024
Another 5 star book
I am enjoying this series that takes place in our desert. It was a little hard for me to keep track of so many characters in this book. I’m getting old. But it was All Good. I look forward to the rest of the series.
Robert Ericksen
I am enjoying this series that takes place in our desert. It was a little hard for me to keep track of so many characters in this book. I’m getting old. But it was All Good. I look forward to the rest of the series.
Robert Ericksen
July 10, 2017
Cozy mytery
This was a fun and easy read. A murder is commuted with very few Clues to follow. Who killed the Docter and why do so many of his patients look like his exwife?.
This was a fun and easy read. A murder is commuted with very few Clues to follow. Who killed the Docter and why do so many of his patients look like his exwife?.
July 13, 2017
Great series
Characters evolve into old friends. Murder suspects galore. Wife of detective and her psychic sister help gather info. Recipes too.
Characters evolve into old friends. Murder suspects galore. Wife of detective and her psychic sister help gather info. Recipes too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews